Read every series in the right order
Six of Crows Books in Chronological Order – Complete Guide
Table of Contents
The Six of Crows Books in Chronological Order are an unforgettable dive into the gritty, magic-laced underworld of the Grishaverse. Leigh Bardugo’s duology is packed with razor-sharp dialogue, complex antiheroes, high-stakes heists, and deeply emotional arcs. Set in the crime-riddled city of Ketterdam, this fantasy series takes readers on a dark, thrilling ride with a cast of morally gray characters you can’t help but love.
Although it’s part of the broader Grishaverse (which includes the Shadow and Bone trilogy and King of Scars duology), the Six of Crows series stands alone and is the perfect entry point for new readers. Whether you’re coming from Netflix’s adaptation or starting fresh, reading these two novels in order ensures you catch every twist, betrayal, and heartbeat of this epic heist saga.
Six of Crows Books at a Glance
| Book Title | Buy Link |
|---|---|
| Six of Crows | Buy on Amazon |
| Crooked Kingdom: A Sequel to Six of Crows | Buy on Amazon |
Six of Crows Books in Chronological Order
1. Six of Crows (2015)
Kaz Brekker, a ruthless streetlord known as Dirtyhands, accepts an impossible job: break into the impenetrable Ice Court and rescue a valuable prisoner. To succeed, he assembles a team of misfits: Inej, the stealthy spy; Jesper, the sharpshooter with a gambling problem; Nina, a Grisha Heartrender; Matthias, a disgraced soldier; and Wylan, a demolitionist with secrets of his own. As the mission unfolds, loyalties are tested and the line between hero and villain blurs.
With its fast pacing, deeply flawed characters, and intense stakes, Six of Crows sets the tone for a duology that challenges what YA fantasy can be.
2. Crooked Kingdom (2016)
After surviving the Ice Court, the crew returns to Ketterdam only to be betrayed. Now, Kaz and his team must fight powerful enemies on their own turf, outwit cunning business rivals, and expose corruption on a grand scale. Crooked Kingdom dives deeper into character backstories, personal vendettas, and emotional growth, all while raising the stakes in every possible way.
The conclusion is both gut-wrenching and satisfying, cementing this duology as one of the most memorable in modern fantasy.
Companion Works
While Six of Crows is self-contained, several other works in the Grishaverse enrich the reading experience:
- Shadow and Bone Trilogy: Introduces the Grisha world and Ravka’s political conflicts
- King of Scars Duology: Follows events after Crooked Kingdom, featuring familiar characters
- The Language of Thorns: A collection of Grisha folktales and lore
- Demon in the Wood (Graphic Novella): Origins of the Darkling
For the ultimate experience, explore our full Grishaverse Reading Order Guide.
Editions & Formats (Hardcover, Collector, Audio)
- Standard Paperbacks: Affordable and easy to collect
- Hardcovers: Classic and durable with map endpapers
- Special Collector’s Editions: Feature sprayed edges, bonus art, and exclusive content
- Audiobooks: Multi-narrator performance enhances the ensemble cast
- Box Sets: Duology bundles available for Kindle and print
Why Read in This Order?
Reading the Six of Crows Books in Chronological Order (which is also publication order) ensures that you follow the character arcs, betrayals, and emotional revelations in the intended sequence. The duology’s tight pacing, foreshadowing, and payoff all rely on you experiencing events in the correct order.
This structure matters especially for:
- Watching Kaz’s slow unraveling and rebuild
- Following Inej’s moral code evolve
- Understanding the emotional weight of each loss and victory
Author Spotlight: Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, best known for creating the Grishaverse. She debuted with Shadow and Bone in 2012 and followed with Six of Crows in 2015, quickly earning a reputation for crafting morally complex characters and richly built fantasy worlds.
Bardugo is also the author of adult fantasy (Ninth House) and contributed to DC Comics (Wonder Woman: Warbringer). Her storytelling blends darkness with hope and doesn’t shy away from ethical gray zones—especially in the Six of Crows duology.
Connect with her:
Media Adaptations (TV, Comics, Merch)
- Netflix’s Shadow and Bone Series: Integrates characters from both Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows.
- Audiobook Editions: Features full cast, music, and immersive performances
- Collector Merchandise: Includes character art, candles, enamel pins, and fan boxes
- Manga & Graphic Works: Under development from fan communities and publishers
FAQs
Do I need to read Shadow and Bone before Six of Crows?
No. Six of Crows is a standalone duology within the Grishaverse.
Is there romance in the Six of Crows books?
Yes—but it’s slow-burn and complicated. Expect emotional payoff, not fluffy scenes.
Are these books suitable for teens?
Yes, though the themes are dark. Recommended for ages 14+.
How long are the books?
~450–550 pages each. Average reading time is ~12–14 hours per book.
Will there be a third book?
Leigh Bardugo has hinted at future stories, but no third book is confirmed.
